A Little Christmas Cheer...?

I keep hearing people everywhere relive comical and/ or disastrous holiday stories and that got me thinking... so here is one of my holiday stories for you.

In 1st grade my family lived in Monument, Colorado. It is gorgeous there, especially in the winter. We lived in some townhomes in a cute neighborhood and my parents threw a holiday party for all of our friends and neighbors a couple of days before Christmas. Of course, they invited out next door neighbors, who had three children of their own who I occasionally played with. The oldest daughter of theirs was one year older than me, and the middle child was a year younger so we got along alright... not best friends or anything, but we still had someone to play with on snow days on when our other friends were out of town.

Anyhow, so everyone came over for the Christmas party. My mom goes all out for the holidays and the house was decorated so perfectly it looked like a spread in Southern Living magazine. She had baked all day and the dining room table was overflowing with delicous holiday cookies, cakes, pies, candies and all of the normal party food. Us kids were downstairs playing in between my room and my sisters room (what kids can resist a water bed and bin after bin of Barbies?). We had all the dress up clothes out and every toy my sister and I owned on the floor and in the hallway between our rooms. We would play and then run upstairs to grab snacks and steal away to our toy bungalow again.

Our neighbor's oldest daughter- let's just call her Jessie-kept running upstairs to grab massive handfuls of Christmas hard candies. She would take a couple giant scoops and come running downstairs just to plop herself in the corner and eat ALL the candy she brought. Eventually there were no more candies left and she took to playing with Duplo blocks in the hallway. I had run to the bathroom at the other end of hallway to fill my teapot with water so we could have tea party (duh) when I heard horrific sounds coming from doorway of my sister's room. I turned to look down the hallway and all I saw was a stream of candy colored vomit hitting the hallway floor.

If you are like me, then puke is one of the worst bodily fluids to have to deal with and I don't do very well hearing it, smelling it, seeing it or thinking about it. Actually, I will do anything to avoid it. ANYTHING. I think this comes from the many traumatizing experiences I have had with it... or have had happen to me. I have an arsenal of puke stories that I should compile into a puke story novel, but it would make me far too ill to relive each story.

Back to the story. I panicked and screamed bloody murder - but to no avail. I ran the opposite direction in a blind fury up the stairs to alert my mother of the atrocity happening downstairs. She had heard my screams and met me on the landing half way, a bewildered look on her face. Other parents followed. Hot salty tears streaked down my face as I tried to explain what was happening, but loud sobs were the only sounds that escaped. My mom ran down the stairs with me in her arms until she reached the rainbow colored puddle on the floor. And what ensued was even more frightening... Jessie was still going. I've never seen more fluid come out of one body before. The hall floor, the hall walls and the first 4 feet of my sister's room were covered in that putrid multi-colored liquid. At this point, half the party was downstairs staring wide-eyed at one little girl in hysterics and another expelling 2 pounds of Christmas candy onto off-white carpet and walls.

So... Merry Christmas... and don't let anyone eat a whole bowl of Christmas candy alone.

P.S.- I didn't really hang out with the neighbors anymore. I know it wasn't their intention to scar me further, but I just couldn't chance being around people that would go around puking up a storm.

Happy Holiday Extravaganza!

I love the holidays because I have an excuse to make goodies and have people over to eat them... so yesterday that's what I did! It was great to see friends that I don't often get to talk to or spend time with.

... some of the spread before everyone came. Let me just tell you that I don't enjoy anything more than I enjoy cooking for other people. And I love it when everyone can sit around and eat good food and have good conversations, or good "discussions" as it were.

Also, I don't care for Oprah, but that is a different story.

We kind of had a "pass the camera" sort of evening, since I usually bring out my camera and then forget to take pictures. Here ae some of my favorites...

As you can see, some folks like to get a little artsy...

but there were some great candid shots. I can't post them all, but I will try to get them out here and there for everyone to see.

Happy Holidays everyone! Enjoy your friends and family and make great food!

Also, I've found a set of classic holiday movies at Costco, so if you are in the mood to watch some Frosty the Snowman, or Rudolf, come on over!

HOUSE!

Ok, I finally got around to taking some pics of my house... granted it doesn't look as awesome in pictures... and I didn't take pics of the whole house because who really wants to see me closets, laundry room, and bathrooms? The pic above is from my living room...

... and this one is the other side of my living room...

And then my dining room table, all set for the holidays...

and another corner of my living room...

and a view from my living room into the kitchen and dining room.

So in case you haven't heard, I'm having a little dessert night tomorrow and anyone is welcome to stop by and say hi! You can also take a tour of my house and see what it really looks like, plus all the places I didn't take pictures of... like my REALLY awesome closet.

I Am SO Lame...

Because I'm a grown woman who saw "Twilight" twice this weekend and have been reading the books nonstop for weeks. Seriously, I need more excitement in my life.

In spite of my love for these books, I feel it is my duty to warn those of you who haven't gone to see the movie yet, but love the books...

It's cheesy. I mean, for the sake of time they had to cut some things from the book and rearrange some of the details, but they also added some lines, etc to the characters that just made the audience giggle. Giggle not in the little girl way, but sent waves of stifled gawking laughter because some lines just ruin the moment. (**spider monkey)

Bigger budget? That will help too. Also, an acting coach for Kristen Stewart. She looks the part, but is infuriatingly more akward and sometimes kills the whole scene.

Books are far better in your head, for the most part.

I still liked the movie and will see the next one when it comes out too... what can I say?

I LOVE My House

Now my house is finally set up and in a livable state. I will have to have everyone over for a house warming party. I'M SO EXCITED!

Tonight I have time to take pics so I will, and then I'll post hopefully later tonight or tomorrow.

Also, I'll set a date for a get together. Stay tuned...

I Ran a Marathon...

... and it was called moving into a new house. OH GOODNESS, is it tough. Especially when you are moving into a three level townhouse. That's a lot of stairs... 34 to be exact.

But, I now have the cutest little house you've ever seen! I'm still trying to unpack, but it's mostly there... just clothing to put away and decorations to put up. You can totally come by and visit if you feel the urge. I am now centrally located between a gaggle of friends, but that was completely coincidental and turning out to be awesome.

Also, we still need a third roommate, so if you know of someone, have them call me.

Pics up soon!

ROOMMATE NEEDED NOW!

So I'm planning on moving into this super cute townhouse this weekend/next week BUT one of my roommates fell through (it's a three bedroom place) and we need to replace her! If you know of anyone that needs a place to live, have them give me a call or e-mail me!!! The townhouse is over by Quatama, it's fairly new and very cute (the family that owns it has decorated/painted fabulous yet neutral colors) and right by the Max. Right now it's just myself and my friend Tara moving in. We're both clean and would prefer someone else tidy. Rent is super cheap!

Like I said, have them give me a call, or e-mail or whatever to get my attention. We can talk details (actual rent, etc) then.

Missing...

I was pondering this weekend. Sometimes you miss something before it's gone. Sometimes you miss something you didn't know was there. And sometimes you miss something over and over again until you don't remember when you started missing it, you just know that you always have.

There are a billion different ways ones life can change quickly, and pretty much everything you can think of changing I've changed or someone has changed in my life recently. This means some losses, some gains, some straight-even trades. It means loving and missing, caring and forgiving, working and pondering.

I've had the fortune of meeting some truly wonderful people and I'm going to miss them on days when life gets in the way and we can't talk or when they move and I can't just drop by. I've lost some people and I will miss them until they return or until I return. The best part of missing is finding, and finding will come soon too.

More Lyrics to Match

(23)

I felt for sure last night
That once we said goodbye
No one else will know these lonely dreams
No one else will know that part of me

I'm still driving away
And I'm sorry everyday
I won't always love these selfish things
I won't always live not stopping...

It was my time to decide
I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do
No one else will have me, only you

You'll sit alone forever if you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here, I'm now, I'm ready
Holding on tight, don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine

Amazing still it seems
I'll be 23
I won't always love what I'll never have
I won't always live in my regrets

You'll sit alone forever if you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here, I'm now, I'm ready
Holding on tight, don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine

Scentsy Party

So, Jackie and I are planning on throwing a Scentsy Party because they came out with a new catalog chock full of fun new warmers and awesome new fall and winter scents. Tentatively we are going to do this on the first or second weekend of October. Invites will go out soon, but really, everyone is invited. Keep your calendars open!

If you just can't wait, go Here for the new catalog. I've already made a list of what I want!

New Music

Also, just so everyone knows... Ben Folds has a new cd coming out at the end of this month and it features a track with Regina Spektor. You may have heard it already on 94.7 fm.

www.benfolds.com

The Hunt is On

No one ever told me that it'd be easier to find a cute house to buy than a stupid apartment to rent. Oh my goodness, I'm getting a little frustrated and overwhelmed!

My friend Amanda and I decided we needed to move in together, so we started apartment hunting and came up with a couple of criteria for our home:

1. Needs to have at least two bedrooms and two full bathrooms... we don't like sharing. Not that we can't, but we both have lots of stuff (meaning too many pairs of shoes, purses, jackets, skirts, etc.) so we need the room. Ideally, we would like a double master suite, but those are hard to come by in a floor plan that we like and a price range that we can afford.

2. Needs to have lots of closet space. Like I said, we both have lots of stuff... we are girls.

3. Needs to have a washer and dryer in unit. I hated lugging my laundry downstairs when I lived in Colorado each week and sitting in the laundry room until it was all done. UGH.

4. Needs to be in a safe area and well lit... again, we're girls.

5. Needs to be centrally located in the Hillsboro/Beaverton area because of work and family and church.

That's pretty much it. If you know of any cute places or if you live somewhere great and want to recommend it, please let me know! We aren't in a hurry, but we want to be in a new place in a month or so.

Things I Can Never Have TOO Many Of...

1. Pretty Coffee Mugs- they are useful and nice to look at. Plus it's fun to pick them out. I really appreciate oversized mugs and very tall ones. Oh yeah, and glazed ones. And you can eat soup out of them more easily.


2. Pillows- not just any pillow though. I have a fondness for the ones with the tiny micro-particles in them- I call them mushy pillows. They now also super comfy pillows in all shapes, sizes, colors and patters from Berkshire Life ( a blanket company) called "Serasoft" that are covered with their micorfiber blanket material. I want to buy a ton of them and just make a room full of their soft blankets and pillows.









3. Lipbalm/Chapstick- there are a million different kinds that do a million different things. Also, they tend to smell and/or taste really great. They have kind of become my "mood ring"; depending on how I feel that day I will choose a different chapstick to accompany me.


4. Soft blankets- if you come to my house you will probably instantly notice the insane amount of blankets draping the furniture and in piles around the living room. Who knows where we got this fetish, but my whole family LOVES blankets and we are super territorial about them. I have a big box of blankets and I frequently switch out which ones I am using because I cannot have a favorite- I like them all equally for each has it's own lovable qualities. I now have a great Serasoft one (again from Berkshire Life) with a matching pillow which makes for SUPERB naps.

No Pics Yet

As you can see, I'm a liar and have not posted pictures of me and my new glasses yet. All I can say is sorry, but you will have to wait. Life is far too busy and I haven't the time to mess around and take pictures of myself. Actually, I totally do have time and I'm just a slacker. So I promise I will get pictures up by this weekend.



Also, I've been neglecting my "Time Travel Tuesday" posts and haven't posted any pics from my past in quite a while! I will make it up to you all soon.



On a completely unrelated note- how horrible is it to run in the heat? I hate it. I may just break down and run on the treadmill at the gym. I hate treadmills. But I think it's better than running in the humid disgusting sauna that is Oregon in the daytime.

New Glasses... and the Cutest Movie Ever

Today I got new reading glasses and new regular glasses (that's right, I have two pair- jealous?). As my eyesight has gotten progressively worse, it's no longer an option to wear them only when my eyes are tired; I must now where them pretty much all the time. I will post pics later tonight or tomorrow so you can all tell me what you think. And by you all I pretty much mean the three or so people that read this.

Also, I saw Wall-E last night and thought it was the cutest dang movie I'd ever seen, ever... hands down. I will buy it when it comes out on DVD, and that's saying something because I have to really like a movie to buy it. If you haven't seen it, you totally should. It's family friendly and full of varying degrees of humor so it's a great movie for kids and adults... and Mac geeks. Wall-E reminded me of someone I know- right down to the expressions made and little habitual hand gestures. I like it when characters are relatable. :) Hey, maybe if you want to see it and have no one to go with, I will see it again. But I will have to wear my glasses.

PS- no more headaches from trying to squint and read things. The world is right again!

That's What She Said

Oh Man. Sometimes things just fly out of my mouth before I can stop them. I've learned that there's no use in backpedaling, you just have to face it like an adult. Other times things that are going on in my head just tumble out of my mouth, as if the filter from my brain to my mouth is temporarily stuck on "open" and I don't even realize that I said it until I hear the echo of my own words and the expression on someone's face.

Example of a conversation: (but I'm going to leave out exactly what I said)

Me: (statment I made without really wanting to say it or thinking about the repercussions of saying it)

Person: ... what?

Me: Um... (repeat statement, almost in questioning tone, as if to ask myself aloud if I really said it)

Person: ...

Me: You don't have to respond to that. Don't say anything... you really don't need to. Seriously.

(and then later I add this)

... sometimes things fly out of my mouth before I've really thought about them, so... sorry.

Don't worry, it wasn't something crazy or offensive. Ugh, sometimes I wish it were though. That'd be easier to apologize for. I could also maybe blame that on temporary insanity or stress or something? But the things I say cannot be excused. Oh well. At least this doesn't happen all that often.

BAD TIMING

Another thought for today... and it's just because I can't stop my brain.

Life, for me, is just bad timing. Ok, not all of the time. But right now that's how I feel. I guess part of that has to do with not being able to control other people... which is definitely a good thing. I think I would be far more unhappy if I could do that- not that I am seriously unhappy about much.

I can't go much into specifics. You'd thank me because if you knew the specifics you'd know it's a headache and a half so the less you know the better you'll feel about life; I'm sparing the details and I'll just say this:

People, make up your mind about things and then just do whatever it is you want or need to do. Don't wait for things unless you need to because chances are whomever else may be involved in the situation will eventually make their own decisions and then when you finally come around with yours that other person (or people) probably made the exact opposite decision and have learned to live with it. This is also known as bad timing. Watch pretty much any movie and bad timing is a sub-plot- usually intertwined with love triangles or relationships in general. That's not necessarily indicative of my situation, though.

Anyhow, that's my PSA for the week.

More Races, Please!

I've never really liked running. I'm pretty honest about it. Sometimes I go through phases and it makes me feel good, so I do it, but I've never professed my love for running. I'd rather not get sweaty and gross when nothing is chasing me and I could very well use a different form of transportation to get somewhere.

What made me think that I would like running in a race? Who knows. But I decided I would try it... and I surprised myself. I LOVED it. I want to do more. I'm not saying I did wonderfully and am a natural, but running this year's Livestrong Challenge motivated me to start doing something. So I'm looking for more races (preferrably not too serious ones that are around 5k). If you hear of any, let me know!

No Nap...

and I was so upset. Seriously almost to tears. I had to run last minute errands for work because there are crazy meetings and things going on today and tomorrow so they HAD to get done. So I ran around town looking for race-themed items for meeting supplies, etc. FYI- found some totally WT can-cozy things with Nascar drivers and logos on them. Yay!

But back to sleep: by the time I got home it was almost eight o'clock and I was SO hungry. My mom suggested we go on a quick walk and then go get something to eat. I said sure since I try to be active everyday... and really hadn't done any exercise yesterday up to that point. So we walked briskly then hopped in the car to go get food. We drove all over the place trying to figure out what we wanted that was still open (surprisingly a lot of things close at 8 or 9... and it's still daylight. Weird. We finally got food and drove home. I had to put together goody bags for the meetings and pack up my car with meeting supplies before I could go to bed, so when it was all said and done, I didn't get a nap. Not even a second to sit down and relax at all.

Sad part is that I am going to be at meetings for work until 10 or 10:30 tonight so I won't get one tonight... and tomorrow I'm going to the Death Cab for Cutie show at Edgefield after work- which I think is actually better than a nap. I do have Friday off though. I'm so sleeping in and then taking a nap Friday. Maybe.

How do some people manage to take a nap almost every day? It's baffling.

Naps = Happy

For three days I've been saying I need to take a nap. I'm determined that this will happen today. Nap sleeping is vastly different from night sleeping. I don't know why, but I think it is much more satisfying. It is my theory that this is because naps are like a gift, and going to bed is routine.

So after work I'm going to take a nap before I do anything else. If you call me, I apologize ahead of time, but I'm not going to answer. If you come over, I'm locking the door so don't expect admittance. There is no way I'm going another day without one.

Also, places of employment should institute nap times at work. I think we'd be a happier country if mandatory nap-time was the standard. You could pick when you wanted, though. I definitely couldn't take a nap anywhere between 11am and 2pm. Between 3pm and 6pm is the optimal time for me.

Last note: did anyone have "mental health days" in health class in high school? If you know what I'm talking about, let's discuss the hilarity and awesomeness of that soon.

Karma

is a wonderful thing. Some people call it by different names. Some folks just stick to the philosophy that what goes around comes around and vice versa and don't call it anything. Some attribute it to a higher power, be it God or otherwise, balancing life and the universe. I've even labeled it "vibes" in certain context while talking about one of my many life theories. Either way, I think we all agree that this "Karma" thing exists to a certain extent.

I'm a pretty proactive girl and usually don't sit around and wait for things to happen to me. I see what I want or need to do and do it. That simple; for the most part. Because I am this way it's sometimes hard for me to ignore mean/rude/aggravating people and just "turn the other cheek". I don't condone revenge nor do believe in "getting back at people", because that's what I've been taught- although sometimes I really want to... and occassionally I do because I just can't resist (hey, I'm not perfect). There's a certain amount of built-in frustration to this way of living, however I've always believed that if you do the right thing, everything will work out fine in the end. Sometimes it takes "the end" FOREVER to come, so the equalizing results are just not seen immediately... very hard for a proactive and antsy girl.

Life is good at this; making me wait for things. I guess I need to learn patience, although that is arguable. Back to the point- once we give up that "karma"/the universe/a higher power will take care of what's been done, something amazing happens; "Karma" delivers. Usually double. What do I mean? I mean it does the bad thing back to the person who originally committed the bad thing, and then it gives a good thing to the person who was wronged. You can't always see it, but it happens. And the best part about it is that usually "Karma" lets the wronged person know that things have been equalized. You may have to wait a while; you may get to the point where you think that life is unfair; you may get re-frustrated at what was done and then have to wrestle with it and then forgive and get over it. You may do these things many times over for years sometimes and then you will forget. And then Karma gives you a gift.

So thank you "Karma" (as I will now collectively call it). You make doing the right thing even better, and you make doing the wrong thing positively scary. Evil-doers beware.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

... and I know that. I learned that lesson long ago when I was preoccupied with Barbies and tea parties. Who doesn't have a story about wanting a toy or a movie, etc and being told no and then thinking it was the END of the WORLD because you weren't going to get that ONE THING that you WANTED MORE THAN ANYTHING... but a day or so later you didn't really miss not having it. More recently I learned that you sometimes get what you want, but then you realize you don't want it. Actually, I knew that too, but in a different context- like when you really want ice cream so you get some after dinner, take one bite and then realize you're so stuffed from a delicious dinner that you can't eat the ice cream.

Ok, so it's like that, but not really. And I'm not the only one learning this right now...

I guess the circumstances for things need to be right, and sometimes instant gratification would lead to ruin later. We can't see that all of the time. Foresight is never 20/20; sometimes it's legally blind. But we move on and we learn to live differently. We grow and forgive, we love and let go, we ponder and pray and know that it's always in God's hands, not our own.

"33"

Speak to me in a language I can hear
Humour me before I have to go
Deep in thought I forgive everyone
As the cluttered streets greet me once again
I know I can't be late, supper's waiting on the table
Tomorrow's just an excuse away
So I pull my collar up and face the cold, on my own
The earth laughs beneath my heavy feet
At the blasphemy in my old jangly walk
Steeple guide me to my heart and home
The sun is out and up and down again
I know I'll make it, love can last forever
Graceful swans of never topple to the earth
And you can make it last, forever you
You can make it last, forever you
And for a moment I lose myself
Wrapped up in the pleasures of the world
I've journeyed here and there and back again
But in the same old haunts I still find my friends
Mysteries not ready to reveal
Sympathies I'm ready to return
I'll make the effort, love can last forever
Graceful swans of never topple to the earth
Tomorrow's just an excuse
And you can make it last, forever you
You can make it last, forever you


... best song in the world.

Different But Still the Same

It was quite a weekend. My comfortable little shoe-box life was shaken up and dumped out, then shoveled back into the same packaging once more. But I'm still me, just slightly rearranged.

I still cook a mean dinner, though. And here is what I did yesterday:

Linguine with Spicy Italian Sausage and Red Sauce. There's no recipe. I'll sit down and write one out later and post it because it's quick and easy and DELICIOUS. My best weekend accomplishment.

Also, I've successfully made it the 21 days it takes to break a bad habit: biting my nails. YAY! Now I'm obsessed with painting them. Guess that's better than the alternative.

Not a Good Combination

Me and electronics... especially automated ones. I noticed a few days ago that there's something wrong, and it could be me or it could be the sensors on automated electronics. Basically, if a door is supposed to open or a toilet flush, or if soap is to be dispensed or a sink to turn on, it will not if I am trying to use it.

I was at school with an armload of books, etc trying to get the automatic doors to open so I didn't have to set stuff down to get in. That didn't work, so I went over to the handicap accessible doors and pushed the button for the door to open there... and even that didn't work. I had to break down and set my stuff down to open the door, then prop it open with my foot and slide my stuff inside. Not fun. About a minute later as I'm trying to repack my gym bag a girl goes to the automatic door and it swings WIDE OPEN for her. She went to the vending machines, bought some goodies and proceeded to exit out of the handicap accessible doors that also swung open with ease for her. WHAT?!

That's not the only instance. I went to the mall today to pick up some shoes. I made a quick trip to the bathroom, where they have automated EVERTHING. I'm surprised they don't have a robot that will unzip your pants for you. Anyway, I put my hand under the soap dispenser and nothing came out. I tried the next one and the next one until I gave up and decided I would use my hand sanitizer instead. A kind lady noticed my dilemma and said her soap was working and I could come use that... so I did. Then I tried the sinks. The sink I started at didn't want to turn on at all. I waved my cupped hands in front of it, slowly at first and then more quickly but nothing happened. I moved down one sink to try my luck there- same thing. I moved on to the third sink, which turned on for aproximately 5 seconds before ceasing to work. So then what did I do? I was forced to rinse my hands in quick couple-second bursts until a sufficient amount of the suds and residue was off of my hands.

There are TONS of other times when this happens. It's sort of hilarious, but at the same time very frustrating. And don't ask me to show you... ever time I try to show someone how things don't work for me the device starts working fine. If you hang out with me enough you will see that nothing works for me like it should. GAH!

The Resolution

Orange muffins were the best idea ever. They are super easy to make, and taste like a dream. A few kitchen mishaps actually enhanced the outcome, and therefore I've come up with my own version of a recipe. MMMM... I had one for dinner, and then one for breakfast this morning.

Here is how you do it:



Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup white sugar... but i used 3/4 cup of sugar.
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. Orange extract- not in original recipe but I thought it needed to be more "orange-y"
2/3 cup orange juice- but since I used more sugar, it increased to 1 cup.
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter



Topping Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar... I used 1/2 cup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon... I used Apple Pie Spice in addition to the cinnamon because it has cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and some other goodies in it
1/2 cup ground walnuts (optional)... i did not use these.


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and orange zest in mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, eggs, orange extract and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Add anything else at this time that you want... nuts, dried cranberries, etc.
3. Pour batter into muffin cups.
4. To make topping: blend 1 tablespoon melted margarine, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together, along with nuts, etc (if you choose). Sprinkle mixture over top of each muffin. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

So because I taste my batters before baking, I decided that there needed to be more sugar and a little bit of orange extract. Also, because I didn't have any nuts on hand, I didn't use them in the batter or for the topping, but I added more sugar, and therefore had to add more orange juice to get the batter consistency right. Because I did this, my batter didn't hold the topping ON TOP of the muffin during baking since it wasn't as stiff... therefore the cinnamon and brown sugar topping was swallowed by the muffins and created a delightful cinnamon filling in the end and a pretty cool pattern on the top of the muffin.

This recipe only made 12 muffins... but is very easy to double if you are making jumbo muffins, or cut in half if you only want a couple.

The kitchen adventures begin...

Orange Muffins

I don't know where I've ever had one, but for 4 days now I've had a bad craving for a sweet orange muffin. NOT a cupcake. Vastly different. Now that I think about it, I don't ever remember there being such things as orange muffins and every time I've gone to the store the past few days, no one carries them. But I know I've had one before... and what do you know? I went online this morning and found a couple recipes for this wonderfully sweet, fruity snack/breakfast/dessert that suite me (I think) and I'm planning on making some TONIGHT. I cannot go another day without one. This will be my reward for running, so I will have to finish my run tonight before I let myself make them.

Want an orange muffin? Come visit me around 8:30 and I'm sure there will be muffins to spare.

Time Travel Tuesday

Best Beach Trip EVER! We had just graduated high school so the summer stretched before us; inviting us to spontaneously have a good time until the end of August... when we would be embarking on higher education mostly without the company of our dear friends.

Ryan Bradley's aunt let us use her beach house in Lincoln City... and it was probably the best time I've had at the Oregon coast since moving here. Besides getting to play in the sun and in the sand, we ventured to the outlet mall to do some shopping, stayed up late and watched stupid movies and talked, played poker with a mountain of candy, and ate junk like tomorrow would never come. I also got to know some folks way better than I ever intended to (take that as you will... I think they forgot that I was the only girl there...)

Thanks to all my wonderful friends who came, had a great time, and filled my summer with awesome memories (and some not so awesome, perhaps crude, pictures).

"Yeah, Hot Dog"

Kids are amazing. I went to a three year old's birthday party this weekend and hung out with kids (and some adults as well). Along with two and three year olds, there were a few younger ones still learning to stand and talk. It was funny watching them try so hard to form words. They grab a ball and struggle to call it by it's name. You can see in their faces that they know it's a darn ball, but their mouths don't cooperate and all that comes out is "Bbbawbbb", or another variation. I've noticed that they also try to repeat things that people around them are saying. A popular word to repeat this weekend was "Yeah", in a nonchalant tone. It's funny when you are having a conversation and say "Yeah" in agreement to something and two seconds later you hear "Yeah" in the same tone, only it's not your voice!

It was during a conversation similar to this that I found myself shocked and delighted when a friend's daughter, who only has a few words in her speaking repretoire, blurted out an echo of "Yeah, hot dog". It was clear as day and quite hilarious because that was the only thing she picked out of our conversation to repeat. We both stopped talking and looked at the small child rubbing kidney beans and chicken into her hair (as small children tend to do whilst eating) smiling away at the fact that she had just repeated something successfully. "Do you want a hot dog?" my friend asked.
"Yeah!" the child giggled.
"Say it again... say 'yeah, hot dog' one more time" she said.
"Yeah! hahahahahaha" was the child's response. But no "hot dog" followed so we figured it was a fluke.
She waited a few moments before repeating her new-found phrase during a completely non-related conversation.
"Yeah! Hot Dog!", we heard as we were talking about who to send to grab extra chairs to set on the patio.

It's completely awesome how children learn to speak, and it's even more amazing watching them.

Laurie Notaro...

I read a lot. I mean, A LOT. And I've grown really fond of reading Laurie Notaro's semi-autobiographical books. I say "semi" because some of these things that happen cannot possibly be 100% true. Hilarious, though. They are definitely a nice, light and humorous read.

Today at work I took a break and got some ginger ale and opened my book (I'm currently reading I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies) by Laurie Notaro). One passage in particular made me laugh so hard I was shaking and no more sound would come out of my mouth. Why? Because Ms. Notaro has a mother like my own. Here is a little of what I read:

"They're muffin candles," she said, much like she would say, "This is a
candle. And this is a muffin." Separately they're fine, I was dying
to tell her, it's together that they're a problem.

So I said, "Well, why don't you burn them?"

And she said, "Because they're not for burning. Burning would melt them."

So I said, "Well, what are they for then?"

And she said, "To look like muffins."

So I said, "Then why don't you just get some muffins?"

And she said, "What, are you an idiot? You just can't leave muffins on
the counter day in and day out without people thinking that you live like an
animal! I don't want people running around town, saying that I keep the
same old muffins on the counter!"

It might not be hilarious to you, but my mom buys some of the silliest things just "for looks". She saves them for years! We have this gel candle in a jar on the kitchen table that looks like fruit in a jar. EVERYONE that comes over looks at it, opens it and then realizes that it's not edible. When she first purchased this ridiculous item, I pointed out that it looked exactly like food and that people were going to get confused. I also pointed out that we had young children running through the house and one of them just might eat it because it also smelled good. She still has that candle, and it has small finger-holes in it from small hands that thought it was too good looking and smelling to leave alone.

Eventually I will probably turn out the exact same as my mother, in spite of trying. But I think I'm ok with that, even if I act like I'm not.

Time Travel Tuesday

Oh yes, that's me in first grade, skiing with my parents. What a ham! We skied a lot both times I lived in Colorado and I really miss only driving 30 minutes to do it.

I also remember at this particular trip that we had taken a hot chocolate break and my mom warned me to not drink too much or else I would have to pee once we got to the top of the run. It wasn't me that had to go once we got there!

My parents were so fun (still are for the most part) and took us on many outdoor adventures.

The Toy Aisle

It's been a while since I perused the toy aisles of stores, and today I got to do just that. I set out looking for a few extra gifts for a friend's child's birthday. I know what she likes so I decided to go to the store and see what caught my eye.

I don't remember such an array of toys, especially complicate toys, when I was little. I remember the many varieties of similar toys in many colors, but toys today seem so much different! I loved dollhouses when I was little and you know what, they don't even sell dollhouses in most stores now... you have to order special ones online or you have to go to a darn hobby and model store! I did find some cute stuff, but I am now overwhelmed with the possibilities and am glad I don't have children of my own yet.

You know what most places still carry? Puzzles. So I bought myself a puzzle and am now content.

Livestrong Challenge 2008

I am running in the 5K. This supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation, who in turn supports cancer research, survivors, etc. I encourage everyone to get involved and run with me! You don't even have to be a runner, you can walk it, too! There are also a few bike races, but I don't cycle... but if you do then sign up for a bike race!

If you want to do this with me (and I hope someone else does!), then let me know! The date for this is June 29th, but there are all kinds of fun events going on throughout that whole weekend.

It's only a 5K (3.1 miles), and it is helping raise awareness and support for cancer. Did I mention it's almost swimsuit season?

Get Smart

I'm so glad they are making a movie out of this awesome old television show! This was one of my favorites when I was little. They had reruns of it on Nick at Nite, before it was lame. I wanted to grow up and be Agent 99. Who wants to go see it with me next month?

Speaking of Nick at Nite, they are now showing programs that I grew up watching on prime-time television, which is just another reason I feel old. This is not fair. What happened to Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and Mary Tyler Moore as late night television fare?

Time Travel Tuesday

This is my sister and I dressed up for Easter when I was in kindergarten. And what are we eating? Marshmallow Peeps, of course!

Things You May Not Know

While talking to a good friend this weekend, I realized that there are some things I don't really share with people... that aren't that big of a deal, but for some reason are my little secrets.  I don't mean to keep them secrets, but somehow that's how it has worked out.

Secret #1:  I really like 311.  I don't know why, I just randomly got a cd of theirs in middle school and now that is my "go to" music when I'm bored and need to just chill.  It's not like I don't admit that I listen to them, but I have never put them on a list of music I love... or when people ask what music I like to listen to, they just aren't a part of it.  I don't think anyone would ever peg me as a "311" type person anyhow. 

Secret #2:  I don't like it when people touch my feet unless I know them really well.  It just weirds me out... but luckily most people don't find this out- because really, who goes around touching feet?  Even when I get a massage, I just tell them to not worry about my feet.

Secret #3:  I love America's Next Top Model.  I don't make a point to watch the new episodes the night they come out, but on the weekends I can't turn off the ANTM blocks on tv.  I will watch almost a full season in one day.  I don't even like most reality tv shows, but I LOVE ANTM.  

So now you know... and maybe I'll share more later.

Food = Fun

I've always had a fascination with kitchen gadgets, cooking utensils, bakewear, and dishes in general. Really, if it goes in the kitchen/dining room, I like it. If you have ever met my mother or been to my house, you know where this comes from (I have also inherited the "be prepared for everything and have it in your purse" gene from her). I love to cook, bake and grill... and recently I found candy and confection making to be truly captivating and entertaining. Whilst investigating what cool gadgets were made for this wonderful craft, I found a coulple websites that specialize in supplies, molds, etc. If you are a foodie who likes to be very involved in the creation of yummy dishes and treats, you must check out these cool sites!

1. www.kitchenkneads.com- this is where I found candy molds of LDS temples... so if you are getting married soon, I can make you candy with the temple you are going to on it! I was blown away and ordered some and have already started creating!
2. www.anoccasionalchocolate.com- she has great beginners tips and suggestions about what chocolates and fillings to use!
3. www.mormonchic.com- where they have all sorts of yummy recipes and tips to try, plus general cool stuff to look at and read about.

So go try it! Or come over and make candy with me. You may find me bringing candy to you because I can't keep it all or I eat it all.

Time-Travel Tuesday

I found this and laughed because I definitely remember my mom taking this picture of me and my friend Brooke. I also remember that ballet was not so challenging when I was small, and was very much about the leotards when we were that young. In class the other day I remembered stretching as a class when I was this small and not really knowing why we did it, but we got to lay on the floor to do it so it was fun. We also made sure to exercise our feet with what our teacher only referred to as "Stretch, Middle, Point"... which, of course, is the direction our feet were supposed to move over and over again as we sat stick straight on the floor with our tiny little legs outstretched in front of us. I can't get over how small we were!

Acupuncture Me!

I love it. You should try it. It doesn't hurt, and the only side effect so far is that I am a bit tired after the treatment. Other than that, it's superb.

I was amazed that the needles don't hurt. Next time I will have my sister or someone go with me and take a picture. I look really bizarre, I bet.

Time Travel Tuesday

Here it is, my first Time Travel Tuesday! Each week I will be reminiscing and maybe even sharing old photos and their accompanying stories. Let us commence:

The photo above was taken in Colorado on a camping trip with some friends. I think I was 14 or so, just out of middle school and into the great unknown that is freshman year.

Middle school was a funny time. And middle school in the 90's was even funnier. We all wore baggy clothes, skate shoes, and wore strange big jewelry, usually made of safety pins or chaines, or both. Our clothing was also adorned in various metal object ranging from the already mentioned safety pin to the "hard-core" screw-on spikes that were harder to find in those days. It was also an era of pop-punk and ska. If you are unfamiliar with "ska", you may be able to identify it somewhat with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Reel Big Fish-type music. They were rock bands outfitted with a horn section , usually with upbeat California-themed songs. Sometimes there was screaming, but not in the scary death metal way.

The above picture is of me and a group of friends during the aforementioned era. Notice , if you can, the guy in the blue sweatshirt... he is wearing a Five Iron Frenzy sweatshirt; a "ska" band that happened to be my abosolute favorite. I would reccommend them to anyone for their vast array of lyric topics and their spunky melodies. They sing a spirited song about Canada, one about their homestate of Colorado and a few politically charged anthems. I had a handful of favorite songs... so if you're feeling adventurous check out "Every New Day", "Farsighted", and "The Day We Killed" just to name a few...

The first two pictures are not complete without this one, which is on the same camping trip that the first picture was taken,

and we ate coffee flavored ice cream in the middle of the night in our tent. We then were startled by the bright light of a meteor zooming in to the earth's surface. It lit the sky up a crazy luminous green color before it disappeared behind some hills... a few hundred miles away in Utah. It was a great camping trip... safety-pinned sweatshirts and all.

Good thing I didn't find a picture with me in flannel... go 90's!

Attack of the Fives...

5 Images I love and why:

1. I grew up mostly in Colorado and pictures of Pikes Peak always make me fee like I'm home.
2.I've always loved Marilyn Monroe, and this has always been one of my favorite pictures of her because she isn't suggestive or seductive- she's just naturally pretty here.


3. My mom bought me an art book before I could even read and there were paintings by Degas in it... and I wanted to take dance classes because of this one...


4.
When I first saw this statue at the Visitors Center in Salt Lake City, I cried. Time stopped and everything felt right and wonderful. I love going back there and watching people see it for the first time.


5. Aspen trees, in my opinion, are the most beautiful trees on earth. I love how they smell, and the brilliant variety of colors they turn in autumn. I think I could fill many albums with just pictures of aspen trees that I've taken. This one was not taken by me...


5 Years Ago I Was:

...Having the best time being a senior, gallivanting around with my friends doing senseless things for fun. I was finding out that I was more fun than I originally thought, and that graduation wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I was making the most of the time I had left because I knew soon everything would change.


5 Months Ago I Was:

... in a car accident and lucky that the only problems I had were a concussion and a broken nose. Got a newer car because of it though!


5 Hours Ago I Was:

... at work on a never-ending conference call craving popcorn. Woohoo!


5 Minutes Ago I Was:

... coming home from ballet and still wanting to eat popcorn.


5 Things on My "To Do" List:

1. do Winsor Pilates for Abs
2. call my insurance
3. take a bath
4. get my friend Stefanie's phone number
5. eat popcorn


5 Recent Pieces of Mail I've Received:

1. Wedding Invites
2. Victoria's Secret catalog
3. new checks
4. Costco Coupon book
5. Thank You card


5 Things I Would Do If I Became a Billionaire:

1. Pay off my parents' debt (and my student loans)
2. Buy my mom, my sister, Brian and myself Mini Coopers.
3. Buy land and build houses for each person in my family.
4. Travel
5. Go to school until I die



5 of My Bad Habits:

1. Biting my nails.
2. Picking at blemishes
3. Eating when I'm not hungry
4. Not putting my laundry away when I fold it
5. Not stretching before and after I run (and then I really pay for it).



5 Good Memories:

1. Eating spearmint leaves off the plant in my friend Heidi's backyard in kindergarten.

2. Going to "Paradise Cove" with the boys before I moved.
3. Driving all night to nowhere, listening to good music with a dear friend until sunrise just because we could.
4. Going through the temple for the first time last summer.
5. Being in a musical in first grade and singing a solo- I wore my black and pink polka-dot dress that I LOVED.



5 Places I've Lived:

1. Colorado - Monument and Divide.
2. Casper, Wyoming
3. Manassass, Virgina
4. Gainesville, Florida
5. Selmer, Tennessee
(and there are many more)



5 Songs I Love:

1. "33" by the Smashing Pumpkins
2. "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles
3. "Stand Inside Your Love" by the Smashing Pumpkins
4. "Goodbye Sky Harbor" by Jimmy Eat World
5. "Dandelions" by Five Iron Frenzy



5 Jobs I've Had:

1. Waitress/ Hostess at Shalimar
2. Bookseller at Barnes and Noble
3. Customer Service Supervisor at Old Navy
4. Administrative Assistant- Old Navy
5. Administrative Assistant- Nike



5 Books I Love:

1. The Alchemist
2. The Book of Mormon
3. The Lord of the Rings trilogy
4. Eve and the Choice Made in Eden
5. The Chronicles of Narnia



5 Things That Are Out of Place Around My House:

1. My pile of shoes in the hall closet that should be in the "shoe bin"
2. A pile of growing junk mail on the floor in front of my book shelf- they should be in the shred pile.
3. A snorkel set that should be with the camping/summer stuff in the closet but is at the foot of my bed
4. The set of baking dishes in my closest- instead of with the rest of my kitchen items.
5. My Fluidity Bar in the garage where I'm NOT using it...


5 Things I Love to Eat

1. Greek Gods honey yogurt
2. Cinnabon
3. Jell-o with cool whip
4. baby green peas- steamed
5. my mom's homemade cornbread stuffing



5 People (who are not blood relations or in-laws) Who Have Had a Positive Impact on My Life:

1. Gordon B. Hinckley- the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that I first knew as my modern day prophet. Any time that I have had a hard time with something I knew I could find peace in his words and teachings. He is an excellent role model for people of all faiths. If I could have even a fraction of the gentleness and humbleness he did, I think things would go a lot smoother.

2. Mr. Dickson, my choir teacher in Colorado. Great wit and dry humor, and he always had a huge grin on his face. I sometimes wished he was my grandpa. He had a way of teaching people how to really hear things and I don't know how he did it. And somehow he made us all get along even though we were temperamental, hormonal teenagers who cared more about who liked who than music. He made us fall in love with music. Also, Mr. Douthit (sp?), my first grade (and fourth and fifth grade) music teacher who always encouraged me to try new things and have fun with music.

3. Brother Weed- whom I don't really know and have only heard speak a handful of times (even though he is now part of my bishopric). Everything I have ever heard him say has had some resounding impact on the way I think, feel, speak and act. I learn volumes just listening to him, and he only says a few sentences. I look forward to more of his talks and more of his stories.
4. Matt McKinley- a friend of mine who has taught me that if you aren't a little irrational, spontaneous and disorganized life is not worth living. He doesn't make a lot of money or have all the coolest things, or know all of the coolest people... and he pretty much just picks a place and goes there without much foresight, but he always has great stories to tell and knows people pretty much anyplace you can point out on a map.

5. The last one has to be a combination of folks- Mark Fisher, Dan Blaisdell, Jeff Ashby, and numerous others whom befriended me and showed me through their everyday actions what I was searching for. I could never show enough gratitude for how radically you've changed my life, all with the simplest words and gestures. You were my first testimony of living the gospel and being a missionary by example and I am thankful for that. Much of my happiness has come from the events that started with friendship.


I tag Mark, Mary and Ksenia.

Things I've Learned from TV

... are specifically why I have problems picking a definite career path. I will pretty much watch anything that's on Discovery, Discovery Health, History Channel, TLC, etc. And I pretty much am hooked on whatever they are talking about... usually. This, along with my propensity for certain subjects, are making me feel like I will never be only interested in one thing. I guess that's a good thing because I'll never be bored...

I know I've talked about this before, but today I had 3 separate epiphanies as to what I should really be doing.

1. Open my own clothing boutique centered around layering pieces and more modest fashions.

2. Open a boutique centered around modest formal-wear and wedding gowns... so all my wonderful friends won't have to fly to Utah to pick out and try on dresses... or order them sight-unseen from a website.

3. Become a geologist.

Given, the first two are at least related to each other, but the third, though out of left field, is something I've always loved. When I was little I collected rocks; every time the family went ANYWHERE I came home with a pocketful or purseful of rocks. I would try to get as many different kinds and colors and textures as possible. I asked for a rock dictionary when I was in first grade, and then a rock tumbler so I could have all of my rocks polished. We lived in Colorado for a long time, which is a great place to live if you like rocks, and where I learned all about fossils and even more about rocks from my fanatical science teacher. More odd still, I am the girl who looks out the window on road trips and points out to the unassuming fellow passengers what sort of rocks are in that particular area and how they came to be.

Enough rock talk. The other two are just useful things that I think there is a definite need for and that I wouldn't mind doing. Really, I was watching a TLC show about a lady who started her own business... and the rest came from me.

Also, I am limiting my career choices in order not to bore you too much. I have a list of at least 10 other things I would like to do. New rule, no more television. I'll just read books for bit and see how I fare.

Best Day of 2008

April 10, 2008- Best day so far for this year. And here's why...

I got to meet Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World. When will something that cool ever happen again? Probably not for a while. I'm hoping some of his genius rubbed off on me. Never has anyone written lyrics as powerful as are contained in a Jimmy Eat World song. If you haven't listened to them, just go buy Clarity and Bleed American. Don't preview, just buy... it's that good.

I said before that I was really looking forward to the J.E.W. show for some time. I didn't know I was in for quite a huge treat! I got down to Salem super early so Rick and I could go shopping and eat before the show. First, I found a pair of jeans that fit GREAT and look great too. Then I bought some awesome huge sunglasses that Rick picked out for me. Then I ate Cinnabon while we stood in line waiting for the doors of the Salem Armoury to open- which is, by the way, one of my favorite foods. We met up with a few friends and once the doors were opened, we went inside and stood around for a bit, talking and whatnot. I was messing around with my phone, trying to pass the time since we were there pretty early when I noticed someone walking past us. Just as I looked up to see who it was and recognize them, Rick said in a somewhat hushed voice, "Hey, isn't that Jim from Jimmy Eat World?".

It was funny because I basically said the same thing to myself in my head as Rick said it out loud. I, of course, said, "Is it? IT IS!", and then we quietly debated on going to say hi. We couldn't pass up the opportunity so we walked up, asked if he wouldn't mind saying hi, etc. He was super nice and talked with us for a few moments. He even signed our tickets and let us get a picture with him! (see above)

The whole situation was a little funny because just two minutes before he walked by we had been talking about how the only thing that could make the day better was if we got to meet the band members. And voila! It happened.

It was also a bit funny because no else seemed to notice that JIM ADKINS was just walking around the auditorium... but this must have been because everyone else that came early were little 8-12 year old girls there to see Paramore and had no idea who Jimmy Eat World was. I felt old, but awesome. PS- all the little kids pretty much left after Paramore, partially because it was their bedtime, and partially because they don't know J.E.W. Sad for them.

I also noticed that any time Rick and I go to shows together, we end up meeting the band or someone in the band. I think this arrangement works out well and shall continue. I don't mind meeting musical greatness.

Another Good Day

I'm having another one of my "laugh at everything" days. I caught "Blades of Glory" on television part way through the other day, so since I wasn't really watching anything, I started watching it, again. I don't remember it being funny really, but the second time I was just dying with laughter. Today on my way to work I was reminded (and I'm not sure by what) of a phrase from that movie, and for no reason at all I was laughing so hard tears were streaming down my face! Even now as I write about it I'm getting all giggly. If you want to know what the phrase (or compound word, really) was, it's "crap-lousy". Just say it out loud.

I'm definitely not going to complain about this. I LOVE being like this actually. Pretty much everything has made me laugh at least a little today. Ballet might be a challenge tonight if this continues, but who cares. If anyone wants to join my little joy-fest of laughter, feel free.

Have a superb day!